A sea of blue and yellow stretched across the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the air charged with both defiance and grief. The 2025 rally for Ukraine in Washington, D.C., felt different from previous years. The absence of high-ranking U.S. officials was notable, yet European Union representatives stood firm, their presence a symbol of unwavering support. As thousands gathered on February 22 to mark three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, their chants and banners carried a message that could not be ignored: Ukraine’s fight is far from over.

Organized by Ukrainian-American groups such as United Help Ukraine, Razom for Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, the event was more than just a demonstration—it was a testament to resilience and sacrifice. Speeches from Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova and EU Ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė called for continued support, but it was the stories of those who have lived through the war that defined the day.

The Absence of a Hand Once Held: A Story of Courage and Love

As a photographer, I’ve trained myself to look beyond faces—to see the stories etched in expressions, the emotions woven into fleeting moments, and the silent connections that speak louder than words. At the rally on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, my lens captured countless faces—some defiant, some weary, all united in a shared fight for Ukraine’s survival. But one moment stood above the rest.

One of the rally’s most powerful moments came when Andriy Smolensky, a Ukrainian war veteran, took the stage. Before the war, he was an IT specialist, living an ordinary life. But when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, he chose to fight. In the chaos of battle, he became a commander in the 47th Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, pushing forward until one mission changed everything. A devastating attack left him without hands, blind, and with only 30% of his hearing—fragments of the life he once knew.

And yet, there he stood—unshaken, unbroken. But what truly spoke volumes was the presence of his wife, Alina Smolenska. Seated beside him, she held onto the sleeve of his jacket—the same sleeve that once covered the hand she used to hold. Now empty, it was a stark reminder of all they had lost. But she still held on, because love doesn’t let go.

Andriy is now undergoing rehabilitation in Washington, D.C., adapting to a life reshaped by war. His words to the crowd cut through the cold air like a solemn vow:

“Freedom isn’t something you’re given. It’s something people have to fight for, no matter the cost.”

His story, and that of so many others, served as a stark reminder of why Ukraine’s fight matters—not just for its people, but for every nation that believes in democracy and human dignity.

As the rally came to an end, the crowd marched toward the Russian Ambassador’s residence, a symbolic act of defiance against ongoing aggression. But beyond the speeches and banners, one image lingered—Alina, gripping Andriy’s empty sleeve, refusing to let go.

Ukraine’s battle isn’t just about borders or politics. It’s about people—about love, loss, and the unwavering belief that freedom is worth any sacrifice. And that is something the world cannot afford to ignore.

To the brave people of Ukraine

Daniel Rad, Washington, D.C.

For personal, non-commercial usage, kindly include the following credit and copyright attribution on all photographs: Credit and Copyright: © Daniel Rad